Skateboarders, off-leash dogs and the safety threat some residents say they pose in public parks and neighborhood streets were among the items discussed at Bird Rock Community Council’s (BRCC’s) March 4 monthly meeting.

“A woman with a small, leashed dog was attacked recently by a large German shepherd that was not leashed,” said BRCC president Jacqueline Bell, who added the incident underscores the gravity of the problem. “Your dog must be leashed.”

Troublesome off-leash dogs have been a persistent problem communitywide for some time, said some observers.

When asked if it would be helpful to photograph off-leash dogs that cause problems, Bell replied, “You need a record of that animal, a victim, a witness or a photograph for action to be taken.”

The signage is clear, said some.

“At Calument Park and the bike path (between La Jolla High and the La Jolla United Methodist Church) posted at every entrance are signs saying, ‘Dogs must be on leash at all times,’ ” said Bird Rock resident Dale Duffala. “That’s pretty basic.”

Resident Joyce Snell said skateboarders have also become problematic in Bird Rock, damaging trees, benches and landscaping, as well as skating in dangerous spots where they are vulnerable to collisions with cars.

“Merchants should be more vigilant,” said resident Don Schmidt. “[Skateboarding] could be dangerous for elderly people who don’t have good balance.”

IN OTHER ACTION

• The first annual La Jolla Family Swap Meet, a fundraiser benefiting local schools specializing in kids’ items, will be Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. Items for sale will include clothes, books, toys and other gear. Proceeds support Bird Rock Elementary School, as well as La Jolla United Methodist Church’s Nursery School. Admission is $2 per person and booth rental spaces cost $20. For information, email danagrantwilliams@gmail.com, or visit www.birdrockcc.org.

• A poll is being conducted online at www.birdrockcc.org and in the print version of the BRCC newsletter, asking residents if they would prefer to have the newsletter primarily online, reducing the number of print copies available at select merchant locations.

• The next BRCC community mixer will be Tuesday, March 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bahia Don Bravo, 5504 La Jolla Blvd.